>>However, given that Anthy's late mother was an exile - was, in fact, >>executed, as far as the svartelven authorities were aware at >>the time - >>Is this method of punishment still in use? If it is, it explains a >little about Anaximandra Drax...

Yes, yes it is. Those who transgress against a particular bit of the svartelven code are thrown into what is commonly believed to be a bottomless pit at one of the lowest levels. The vast majority are never seen or heard from again, but a few seem to find their way through cracks in the cosmic fundament and wind up in unexpected places.